Please read the following Op Ed in the StarPhoenix by Chip Mitchell, Grandson of Fred Mendel.

This year marks the 70th anniversary that my grandfather, Fred Mendel, a
Jewish refugee barely escaping the Nazi Holocaust, first set foot in
Saskatoon and purchased what was a derelict building on 11th Street
originally built as The Derby Motor Company during the 1920s. The
long-abandoned building was a victim of the worst depression the city,
province and world have known.

The following is a letter submitted to the StarPhoenix.
Published Monday, February 08, 2010

It's sad how the citizens of Saskatoon have treated the Mendel family
after years of their generous support. As a taxpayer, I don't
think we need the added expense of moving this gallery and I believe
that many others share my opinion.

Joe Kuchta again uncovers more evidence of underhanded dealings in the Mendel Art Gallery fiasco. For the first time Admission will be charged to enter the Mendel! And it turns out the city never asked for federal funding to renovate the Mendel at all, despite saying otherwise in tax forms - evidence that the move was planned all along.

Re: Packing things in (SP, Jan. 11). What an uplifting yet heart-wrenching article this was. We are reminded of the impressive legacy Fred Mendel left in Saskatoon. Through his entrepreneurial efforts, the city had a progressive business for its citizens to make their living at, where they where well treated and respected. They could be proud of this business.

Then there was Mendel's artistic side. He encouraged one of our most distinguished artists, William Perehudoff, by having him paint murals on the walls of Intercontinental Packers offices, and he instigated the creation of his namesake art gallery to enhance the lives of citizens.

Check out this article from the January 11, 2010 issue of the StarPhoenix, about the demolition of the Mitchell Gourmet Foods builiding - the company started by Fred Mendel almost 70 years ago! With some interesting notes about Fred Mendel's contribution to the community.

Take a look at these letters of support that were submitted to the Saskatoon City Council for their Dec. 14, 2009, meeting adgenda. On the last page you'll find some letters to the StarPhoenix as well.